Gateway Franklin Church

Christus Victory: Three Scenes of Passion

Palm Sunday

John 11 & Luke 19

April 13th, 2025

“Passion” comes from the Latin Patior meaning to suffer, bear and endure. 

Passion is extreme love not measured by want but by what. What am I willing to suffer, bear or endure to obtain it? 

When an answered promise of God has been so far out into the future, it’s easy to miss when He is fulfilling it right in front of you. 

In Passion Week, the magnitude of Jesus love and the full force of His conquering power was on full display.

Living in the realization of Jesus’ love and power will turn your whole life upside down. 

Three scenes of Passion 

Lazarus’ Tomb

The road into Jerusalem

The Temple Courtyard

Lazarus’ Tomb
John 11:32-38 (AMP)  32 When Mary came [to the place] where Jesus was and saw Him, she fell at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her sobbing, and the Jews who had come with her also sobbing, He was deeply moved in spirit [to the point of anger at the sorrow caused by death] and was troubled, 34 and said, “Where have you laid him?” They said, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus wept. 36 So the Jews were saying, “See how He loved him [as a close friend]!” 37 But some of them said, “Could not this Man, who opened the blind man’s eyes, have kept this man from dying?” 38 So Jesus, again deeply moved within [to the point of anger], approached the tomb. It was a cave, and a boulder was lying against it [to cover the entrance]. 

Jesus wept. John 11:35.

Noteworthy observations about Jesus and death.

Jesus is angry at what death steals.

April 6th 2025

Sunday 937!

“What you believe about God is the most important thing about you.” A.W. Tozer “What you believe about the Church impacts her influence and your life.” C.W. Weir

Acts 2:42-47 (NIV) They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Here is what I know about a growing church…

Church growth is realized spiritual impact.

When more people are spiritually impacted, more spiritually impactful people are needed.

More spiritual impact creates a need for more organization, more resources and more space. 

The biggest challenge of a growing Church is maintaining unity of purpose/mission. More people can = a splintering of purpose, which in turn minimizes impact. Or more people can = immeasurably more impact. How do we achieve the latter? 

Immeasurably More Impact

Maintain Personal Humility

Philippians 2:1-4 (NIV) Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Immeasurably More Impact

Maintain Personal Humility

Integrate Giftings

1 Corinthians 12. 

Don’t compete for attention. 

Find your place to serve. 

Christus Victor 

“An element of the atoning work of Christ that emphasizes the triumph of Christ over the evil powers of the world, through which he rescues his people and establishes a new relationship between God and the world.”

Christus Victor 

The evil powers of this world are real and active but not victorious. 

We were once slaves to sin but now we are free from sin. 

Sin once separated us from God but the victorious Christ has satisfied our sin and restored our relationship with God. I’m

 “What you believe about God is the most important thing about you.” A.W. Tozer

Do you believe Christ is victorious?

This morning I want to unpack… 

What is sin? 

What does sin do? 

How did sin lose? 

How does sin still lose?  

The most prevalent Biblical understanding of sin is to “miss the mark”. 

Whose mark? God’s mark. God’s road. God’s goal. 

Sin then is the contradiction of God – His word, will and ways.

“Man’s sin lies in his pretension to be god.” Reinhard Niebuhr 

“God created us in His image and we have been returning the favor ever since.” Voltaire 

“To sin” is to act contrary to God. To “live in sin” is to reject God and become a god unto myself.” Charlie Weir

Romans 3:23 (NIV) 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 

What is sin? Sin is missing God’s mark. 

What does sin do? Sin sends you down a dead-end road to a dead-end place. 

Matthew 7:13,14 (NIV) 13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

Life Lesson: Be careful from whom you take life directions. Wrong directions, even given with good intentions, still take you down a dead-end road to a dead-end place!

Malachi 4 & Matthew 9

March 23rd, 2025

Christus Victor. “An element of the atoning work of Christ that emphasizes the triumph of Christ over the evil powers of the world, through which he rescues his people and establishes a new relationship between God and the world. 

The evil powers of this world are real and active but not victorious. 

We were once slaves to sin but now we are free from sin.

Sin once separated us from God but the victorious Christ has satisfied our sin and restored our relationship with our Father. 

A.W. Tozer “What you believe about God is the most important thing about you.” 

“What God did, God still does.” 

Malachi 4:1-6 (AMP) “For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, and all the arrogant (proud, self-righteous, haughty), and every evildoer shall be stubble; and the day that is coming shall set them on fire,” says the Lord of hosts, “so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. 2 But for you who fear My name [with awe-filled reverence] the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go forward and leap [joyfully] like calves [released] from the stall. 3 You will trample the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day that I do this,” says the Lord of hosts. 4 “Remember [with thoughtful concern] the Law of Moses My servant, the statutes and the ordinances which I commanded him on [Mount] Horeb [to give] to all Israel. 5 “Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the Lord. 6 He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers [a reconciliation produced by repentance], so that I will not come and strike the land with a curse [of complete destruction].”

Matthew 9:18-21 (AMP) 18 While He was saying these things to them, a ruler (synagogue official) entered [the house] and kneeled down and worshiped Him, saying, “My daughter has just now died; but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 Jesus got up and began to accompany the ruler, with His disciples. 20 Then a woman who had suffered from a hemorrhage for twelve years came up behind Him and touched the [tassel] fringe of His outer robe; 21 for she had been saying to herself, “If I only touch His outer robe, I will be healed.” 

Matthew 8 & 9 records… 

The healing of a Roman soldier’s servant, highlighting the faith of the soldier

Mark 9

March 16th, 2025

Movement is the active ingredient of a victorious faith. 

Victorious Faith isn’t optimism or positive thinking. 

Victorious Faith is gritty forward movement plowing through doubt and anxiousness. 

Q: Is it possible for the follower of Christ to carry both doubt and faith? 

A: Not only is it possible, it’s probable.

Q: Can doubt and victorious faith coexist long term?

A: No, they are not compatible, one will eventually win out.

The overarching purpose of this series is to displace your doubt and raise your faith in the power of God in Christ. 

 “What you believe about God is the most important thing about you.” Pastor/Author A.W. Tozer (Drop in pic of AW Tozer)

If you believe God is absent – you will live a self-limited life.

If you believe God is angry – you will avoid interaction with the Life Giver.

If you believe God to be loving – you will want to be in His presence.

If you believe God is powerful – you will live without fear with a forward faith.

Christus Victor Defined

“An element of the atoning work of Christ that emphasizes the triumph of Christ over the evil powers of the world, through which he rescues his people and establishes a new relationship between God and the world.” Gospel Project

At-One-Ment

Motive: The Love of God in Christ. John 3:16,17 (NIV) 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 

At-One-Ment

Objective: The victorious power of Christ which came to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8b “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” 

The impact of Christus Victor is that we are freed to live in the love of Christ and under the powerful covering of Christ. 

Mark 9 teaches us… 

Spiritual power isn’t self-contained it is Christ connected.

Christus Victor: Victory in Jesus

Colossians Ephesians

March 9th. 2025

Atonement (At-One-Ment) is a theological term used to describe the reconciliation between God and Creation. 

The Agent of At-One-Ment was life, death and resurrection of Jesus. 

The Motive for the At-One-Ment was love. 

John 3:16-17 (NIV) 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish (die) but have eternal life.17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”  

The Objective of the At-One-Ment was to destroy the works of Satan. 

1 John 3:8b “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” 

Christus Victor

An element of the atoning work of Christ that emphasizes the triumph of Christ over the evil powers of the world, through which he rescues his people and establishes a new relationship between God and the world. Gospel Project

Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV) 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this. 

John 10:9-11 (NIV) 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 

Satan’s Same 3 Tactics
Temptation. Deception. Distortion. 

Satan’s Same 2

Family of God

Ephesians 2:19 “19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household

1. Fresh Starts

1. Homecoming

Romans 8:15-17 “5 The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again;rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship.[f] And by him we cry, “Abba,[g] Father.” 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

2. Renewal

Engage

1. 1 Chronicles 16:29 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of his[e] holiness.

Engage

Hebrews 12:28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”

Encourage

Hebrews 10:23-25 “23 Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds 25 Don't neglect the gathering.

2. Great Friends

A place for you

1. You are restored in the family

2. You have purpose in the family

3. You are redeemed in the family

2. A lasting impact

6 Keys to lasting impact

1. Encourage - 1 Thessalonians 5:11”11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up

2. Celebrate - Romans 12:15 “Rejoice with those who rejoice”

3. Bare burdens - Galtians 6:2 “Bare your burdens with one another”

4. 4. Accountability - Matthew 18:15-17 15 “If your brother or sister[b] sins,[c] go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. 16 But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or

Summary of Sermon: Do You Want to Be Healed? 

Introduction Pastor Torry continues the "Family Matters" series, addressing the complexities of family, including divorce, trauma, and abuse. He acknowledges that discussing family is challenging because of the deep emotions attached to it. Some come to this series feeling blessed, while others are reminded of pain. He emphasizes that regardless of one's past, there is hope and healing available through Christ. 

Context: The Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-9) The story takes place during a Jewish feast, a time of celebration, yet also a time that can highlight pain for those who feel alone or broken. The setting is the Pool of Bethesda, a place where the sick gathered, hoping to be healed by the stirring of the water. Pastor Torry draws a parallel between these individuals and those today who seek healing in different ways—sometimes in destructive or ultimately ineffective places. 

A key figure in the story is a man who had been infirm for 38 years. The passage suggests he was not always lame, implying that something happened to him that changed his life. This resonates with many who feel their lives have been altered by trauma, pain, or loss. The enemy often uses past events to fill people with guilt, shame, and regret, but dwelling on "what ifs" only prolongs suffering. 

Jesus' Question: Do You Want to Be Healed? Jesus sees the man and asks, "Do you want to be healed?" On the surface, the question seems unnecessary—of course, the man wants healing. However, the man responds not with a simple yes, but with reasons why healing has not happened for him. He explains that he has no one to help him into the pool, highlighting feelings of helplessness and self-pity. 

Pastor Torry points out how many of us respond similarly to Jesus’ offer of healing. We fixate on obstacles, waiting for external conditions to change, rather than recognizing the healing Christ offers. Healing is not found in receiving an apology, getting even, or external validation. Making our healing dependent on others only prolongs our suffering. Jesus bypasses the man’s excuses and simply tells him, "Rise, take up your bed, and walk." 

Faith to Walk The man had to exercise faith to stand up. He could have continued listing reasons why he could not, but instead, he obeyed and was healed. This illustrates that healing requires faith to move forward, even when uncertainties remain. Many people remain in their pain because it is familiar, but God calls them to step out in faith toward healing. 

Three Truths About Healing 

Our Hurt Does Not Destroy Us (2 Corinthians 4:7-9)

Paul endured immense suffering but declared that though he was pressed, he was not crushed; though struck down, he was not destroyed. 

Pain may feel overwhelming, but with Christ, one can endure and emerge stronger. 

Our Hurt Does Not Define Us (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Introduction Pastor Torry Sheppard delivers a sermon at Gateway Church as part of the "Family Matters" series, emphasizing the importance of legacy in family life. He begins by encouraging families not just to be informed but to be inspired by God’s vision for the family. The ultimate goal is to build a Christ-centered family characterized by unity, grace, and purpose. He shares wisdom from his grandmother, who advised parenting with the end in mind—considering the values, beliefs, and qualities to instill in children for a purposeful legacy.

What Are You Leaving Your Kids? Pastor Torry shares a personal anecdote about his father’s love for baseball and his intention to pass down a baseball legacy through a valuable card collection. However, he humorously notes that he himself did not develop a passion for baseball but rather for golf. This story illustrates how parents may intend to leave behind a particular inheritance, but their children’s interests and experiences shape what is truly received.

The first key point is that every person leaves an inheritance, whether material, spiritual, or relational. The Bible extensively discusses inheritance, emphasizing that life impacts others beyond oneself. Paul’s words in Romans 14:7 highlight that no one lives or dies for themselves alone, countering today’s culture of hyper-individualism. True family life demands selflessness, a characteristic that aligns with Christ’s nature.

Blessings and Curses: Understanding Faith Inheritance While the Bible acknowledges the importance of physical inheritance, its primary focus is on spiritual inheritance—what Pastor Torry calls "faith inheritance." The difference between a physical and faith inheritance is measurement: physical inheritance is measured in quantity, while faith inheritance is measured in quality. This faith inheritance can manifest as a generational blessing or curse.

Deuteronomy 5:9 warns of generational consequences, where the iniquities of parents affect children to the third and fourth generations. However, it also promises mercy to thousands who love God and obey His commandments. This does not mean that God punishes children for their parents' sins, as Ezekiel 18:20 clarifies that each individual is responsible for their own actions. Instead, it highlights the generational impact of behaviors, choices, and faithfulness.

The Reality of Generational Influence The concept of generational curses does not imply divine punishment but acknowledges the transmission of patterns, behaviors, and spiritual conditions across generations. Using the Hebrew word "Avon," meaning "bend" or "twist," Pastor Torry explains that growing up in sin can create spiritual and emotional distortions that shape a person’s future. Examples include substance abuse, domestic violence, and broken marriages—patterns often perpetuated unconsciously.

Conversely, a generational blessing is not consequence driven. Instead it is the active work of God’s favor, mercy, and grace extended down a family line. This includes favor and prosperity, divine protection and correction, and the passing down of faith. Psalm 103:17 emphasizes God’s righteousness extending to children’s children, demonstrating the enduring impact of faithfulness.

February 9, 2025

God has a plan for your family.

My family can be better than it is right now.

The way you define marriage will determine the way you do it.

Where does our definition of marriage come from?

God designed marriage and gets to define.

You have a 100% chance of success in your marriage. You just have to do it God’s way.

Definition of Marriage:
Marriage is a man and a woman becoming one, living naked, working in a garden, and walking with God.

“Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”
Genesis 2:18

“At last!” the man exclaimed.
“This one is bone from my bone,
    and flesh from my flesh!
She will be called ‘woman,’
    because she was taken from ‘man.’”
Genesis 2:23

This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.
Genesis 2:24

Marriage is a team sport.

The biblical model of marriage is itself a miracle. It’s two individuals being united together.
Two people, two hearts, two wills, two visions for life, coming together and becoming one.

Two don’t become one through compromise, where each person gives a little and gets a little.
Two people become one through collaboration. (1) Both sides bringing their best to the table, (2) both sides learning to love what God has put in the other person, and (3) both sides creating and pursuing a common vision together.

Adam and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame.
Genesis 2:25

Practical Tips for Getting Naked for Your Spouse
Tip 1: Take off Your Clothes First
Tip 2: Discuss Don’t Dump
Tip 3: Forgive and Bless

So God created human beings in his own image.
    In the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:27

Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and subdue it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.”
Genesis 1:28

Mary was standing outside the tomb crying, and as she wept, she stooped and looked in. She saw two white-robed angels, one sitting at the head and the other at the foot of the place where the body of Jesus had been lying. “Dear woman, why are you crying?” the angels asked her.
John 20:11-13a

“She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize him...She thought he was the gardener”
John 20:14,15